girl sitting on a red stone
boys with open arms in front of the lagoon
vicuñas
chaxa lagoon
flamingos drinking water at the lagoon
selfie with the atacama desert poster
landscape with the lagoon and red stones
miscanti lagoon
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Piedras Rojas Tour Atacama

Guided tour with breakfast, lunch, and entry to Piedras Rojas and Altiplanic Lagoons

(6 reviews)
San Pedro de Atacama
1 day
Spanish and English
Starts: From your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama between 6:00 a.m. and 6:40 a.m.
Ends: In downtown San Pedro de Atacama at 5:30 PM.
Free cancellation!

Briefing

With the Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama, you’ll discover some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Chilean Altiplano. Throughout the day, you’ll explore the Atacama Salt Flat, visit lagoons located at more than 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) above sea level, and experience a landscape shaped by volcanoes, salt flats, and striking red rock formations.

The itinerary includes stops at the Tropic of Capricorn, the Miscanti and Miñiques Altiplanic Lagoons, and the Piedras Rojas area near the Salar de Talar. You’ll also have the chance to spot flamingos and other native wildlife while your guide explains the flora, fauna, and unique features of this high-altitude region.

A full-day tour to discover some of the must-see places in the Atacama Desert.

Below, you’ll find all the details of the tour:

Tour details

Included

  • Transportation
  • Guide
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Entrance Fee

Not included

  • Chaxa Lagoon Entrance Fee

Important information

RESTRICTIONS: Due to the altitude reached during the tour, people with heart conditions, pregnant women, and children under 8 years old are not allowed to participate.

Please note that during the early morning hours the weather is very cold, so we recommend bringing all the warm clothing you consider necessary.

We do not recommend taking this tour on your first day in San Pedro, as it is better to acclimatize to the altitude of San Pedro de Atacama before joining the tour.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation! If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour starts, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of no-show, no refunds will be given.

Tour itinerary

Piedras Rojas Tour Atacama

Altitude: 4,200 meters above sea level.

📍Pickup in San Pedro de Atacama

The Piedras Rojas Tour Atacama will start with the pick up at your accommodation in San Pedro. Once the group is assembled you will head to Piedras Rojas and Lagunas Altiplánicas passing by important tourist sites of the Atacama Desert.

group on the Piedras Rojas tour Atacama

Piedras Rojas Lagoon

This place is also known as the Aguas Calientes salt flat. You will go up in the vehicle to 3,800 meters above sea level and walk for an hour and a quarter to see the copper-colored rocks, the lagoons and the surrounding salt flats.

Then you will visit the Miscanti and Miñiques altiplanic lagoons where the guide will give you some explanations about the flora and fauna that inhabits this place.

Piedras Rojas

Chaxa Lagoon

The next stop will be at the Chaxa Lagoon - get ready to see the flamingos! You will also pass through Socaire and the Tropic of Capricorn. Here you will have time to take photos to remember.

Later, you will head back to San Pedro de Atacama, where the Piedras Rojas tour will end in downtown San Pedro.

flamingo drinking water in chaxa lagoon

What to bring to Piedras Rojas Atacama tour

  • Trekking shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Comfortable clothing
  • Warm clothing
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Cash (pesos) for the entrance fee.

Where does the tour Piedras Rojas Atacama start

The tour starts in San Pedro de Atacama and most travelers arrive from 3 zones:

  • From Santiago de Chile: the most advisable option is to do it by direct plane to Calama. Upon arrival you can take a transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. We recommend the company Transfer Pampa for being the most reliable.
  • From Peru: most probably you will arrive directly from Cuzco or Arequipa. In this case we recommend you to take a bus that crosses the Arica-Tacna border and then takes you to San Pedro de Atacama, although it is a somewhat complex combination, since it is necessary to combine several buses.
  • From Salta (Argentina): there is a direct bus that takes approximately 11 hours.

Questions & Answers

  • What is the maximum altitude reached on this excursion?

    The maximum altitude you will reach is 4200 m. For a good acclimatization, we recommend eating light meals and drinking plenty of water the days before the excursion. Due to the altitude, we recommend that you leave this activity for the end of your stay in San Pedro de Atacama.

  • Can I swim in the lagoons?

    No, the lagoons visited during the tour are not suitable for swimming.

Piedras Rojas Atacama tour reviews with Howlanders

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